Chapter 4: Liberation

09:39 AM (Japan Time), Tuesday March the 14th…

"…You came. Today's mission will be just the two of us. And the area we are going to release today is Akihara Area 3: just ahead of us."

"… Roger."

Blues had met up with Colonel in front of the sealed up Nebula-controlled area pathway: Colonel looked calm and ready while Blues was scanning the surroundings.

No grunts around here… They obviously aren't expecting anyone to break through that door…

"…Ijuuin Enzan. By Nebula's actions, the Liberate Areas have access restrictions set on them. In areas taken over by Nebula, you're limited to one communication with the Navi. I will let you remotely Operate Colonel." Barrel told Enzan.

"You could've told me earlier." Enzan grumbled.

"My bad. But this time going hero alone won't do. We need to combine strengths."

"Fine. I'll do it."

"What I expected from the ONBA's "Ace Net Battler"… I won't say anything else. Colonel will brief you in." Barrel muttered.

"Ijuuin Enzan. Can you hear me?" Colonel called out.

"Of course."

"Like Barrel just told you over the phone… Today's mission involves your Operating skills. I'm counting on you."

"… Fair enough. Let's begin. We have no time to sit idle and chat, anyway." Enzan calmly replied.

And I hate to admit it but I'm actually worried about that guy… I don't want to see him become a brainwashed fanatic of Nebula, either…

"… Looks like you're ready, so… I'll instruct you on how to proceed with the "Liberation Mission"… Make your body remember it through practice… Let's go, Blues!" Colonel rallied.

"You can open that door, then." Blues guessed.

Colonel quickly performed his "Screen Divide" technique on the door and blew it up: Blues merely shrugged.

"Now the problem's been solved. Let's go!"

"Hmpf. Your power is something. Fine."

They rushed along the road and made it to Akihara Area 3: both Enzan and Blues gasped upon seeing how the majority of the area's tiled ground had been filled with some purple mud panels plus holes and some kind of four-legged red Virus with a shell on its back plus a feral face.

"What in the…!" Enzan cursed.

"Good. Well then. Let's begin the "Liberation Mission". This area is under sway of a "Darkloid" named Blizzard Man. If we defeat that guy then this area will be "released" and return to its former state yet… Have a look at that." Colonel told him.

He signaled the purple mud panels which seemed to give off an eerie vibe to them.

"Those are panels stained with "Dark Power", thus named "Dark Panels"… If we don't proceed by "liberating" those then we won't be able to reach Blizzard Man." Colonel explained.

"And how do we "liberate" mere panels?"

"Stand in front of one of them and input the "Liberate" command from the software Barrel sent you before the operation started… And when you do that then the Viruses hidden in that Panel will appear and trigger a battle. If you delete them then the "Liberation" will be over."

"Ah. I like that better. If I have to delete rubbish then you picked the right man. They don't get past the first turn." Blues calmly muttered.

"Hum. Apart from the "Liberate" command I have "Screen Divide"… And you also have a second command named "Long Sword"… It has the ability to "Liberate" a wider territory, but… See, there's a gauge in the upper right corner of the PET's screen… This is named "Order Points"… By using a special command you'll consume 1 of these points. When it becomes 0 then you can't use special commands. There are spots inside of the "Dark Panels" where you can get "Order Points"… It'd be wise to restock before moving on forward." He detailed.

"So there's more to it… Bothersome Regal. I'm sure he set this system up to make us waste time and energies before we can defeat the Darkloid in charge…!" Blues growled.

"Hum. Well then… Let's get towards there. Ijuuin Enzan. I'm leaving the Operating up to you."

"I know."

"If you wish to change the Navi being Operated then select one from the list. The Navis apart from Blues get just one characteristic Chip which can be used in the "Custom Screen"… My characteristic Chip is "Colonel Cannon"… Make sure to master its usage. And if you pick the "MAP" command then you can examine the whole area using imagery from the sensors…"

"That could be helpful to plan the route."

Enzan tried it out and spotted a "Darkloid" standing in the northernmost spot of the area and surrounded by "Dark Panels" which seemed to have some obstruction protecting him.

"That gotta be Blizzard Man…"

Blizzard Man didn't seem to be much taller than a meter and fifty.

His eyes' irises were red as well and he had two red ear pads: a ski cap was being worn atop his head and it had a blue band slightly above the forehead: the rest of it was colored orange.

His main body was round and both his arms and legs were short.

He had green skies attached to his blue ski boots' soils.

The shoulders, on the other hand, were colored sea blue.

His forearms had an orange rim at their start: his hands were covered in the classical white "skin": he held two ski sticks which had an orange handle on each one.

His upper body was colored orange until slightly beneath the chest emblem: there it formed a pattern reminiscent of the Alphabet letter "M" and colored sea blue: his lower body was colored white.

The chest emblem had a red rim and the drawing a white-colored snowman's silhouette without nose, mouth or eyes: the rest of the emblem was colored black and so were his arms and legs.

"There's another note. You must be careful not to "Liberate" in this spot… See, in the middle of that triangle…" Colonel signaled with his saber.

"That Regal…! Depending on the spot you stand you gain advantage or not in battle, you mean to say?" Enzan deduced.

"When "Liberating"… If there are a lot "Dark Panels" surrounding the Navi, then it'll be a batte in an adverse state… In this situation… The best strategy would be to try to "Liberate" either left of right from the lower right side…" Colonel advised.

"… Good. I'll say "thanks" for the time being. Enough time wasted already… Go, Blues!"

"Roger, sir."

"Well then, let's begin. The targeted "Liberation" is within 7 Phases. If we can free this area within 7 Phases, we may get a Rare Chip from the Officials as a reward. Well then. I'm counting on you!"

"Gotcha. Not gonna let such a chance slip by…" Enzan calmly muttered.

Blues headed over to one of the "Dark Panels" and Enzan brought up the action menu which included the options "Liberate", "Long Sword", and "Do nothing" so he picked "Liberate": the panel was highlighted.

"Wait, Ijuuin Enzan." Colonel called out.

"What the heck. There's more?" Enzan cursed.

"… "Liberation" has some spots which differ from the usual "Virus Busting"… You must annihilate the enemies within 3 Turns."

"Rega~l! You lowlife~!" Enzan growled in clear annoyance.

"Yeah. And that's why when the Custom Gauge becomes filled it'll enter the Custom Screen automatically. But, in exchange, if you can annihilate the enemy in 1 Turn, then you can also "Liberate" the whole of the surrounding "Dark Panels"…"

"Phew! At least one advantageous thing…!" He sighed in relief and seemed to be glad of hearing it.

"Another point I slightly spoke of earlier… Regarding the situation of an adverse battle when surrounded by "Dark Panels"… You can meet pincer attacks by the enemy in that situation too… When meeting that situation, you can use the "Direction" command in the PET's screen to change the Navi's orientation."

"Hum. Given how the usual buttons for the Custom Screen can't be used then you recycle them…" Enzan realized.

"Well then, go on ahead." Colonel encouraged.

"Go! Liberate Panel!"

"Come! Rubbish! Hrah! Hyah! Hah! Gra~h! Hah!" Blues challenged before starting to fight them.

"…"Liberation" completed." Enzan immediately reported.

In effect: the panel reverted to normal and Blues lowered his sword while the sliced and diced Viruses were deleted: Colonel nodded in agreement and seemed to like the battling style.

"Looks like you got a hold of the feeling. Well then. I'll now explain about the "Dark Holes"…" Colonel called out to Blues.

"…"Dark Holes" now?"

"Look at those." Colonel ordered.

He signaled the pit-like panel surrounded by purple edges and spawning some purple gas spores: the four-legged beast was standing close to it as if protecting it.

"That's a "Dark Hole". If we don't "Liberate" all "Dark Holes" then we won't be able to battle the "Darkloid"… That thing in the field is a guardian created by the "Dark Hole"…" Colonel reported.

"Get rid of the watchdogs, then, and delete their foul hole." Enzan muttered with a hint of amusement.

"The guardian can attack nearby opponents. If it does that, then we'd get greatly damaged. We could try to have those deleted before the "Darkloid Phase"… Or we could try "Liberate" the "Dark Hole" at once… We'll have to choose one or the other." Colonel exposed a course of action.

"No watchdogs are gonna save them from Blues' sword." Enzan calmly muttered.

"Well then. My turn."

"Liberate Start!"

"Colonel Cannon! Screen Divide! Hah!"

"Not bad. "Liberate" completed…" Enzan formed a smile once he saw how quickly Colonel defeated the opponents.

"However! Both of us have completed actions. Our "Phase" is over and the "Darkloid Phase" is now going to happen. The enemy can spawn new "Guardians", move them from position or have them attack us. We must be careful to save up HP if possible." Colonel warned next as he glanced at Blues.

"This area is gonna be revamped into an exclusive Nebula ski slope! You won't get in the way!" Blizzard Man called out.

"Ski slope, huh." Enzan didn't look impressed.

"I think that one is rather incompetent and they told him to handle an area of lesser importance…" Colonel shrugged.

"Our "Phase" again… Let's check out these commands. Two panels in a row, so… Long Sword! I'll use 1 Order Point!"

"Roger, Enzan – sama! Come! Viruses!"

"Battle Chip, Wide Blade, Long Blade! Double Slot In!"

"Out of the way!" Blues yelled.

He disposed of another group of Viruses while also taking care of covering his back and sighed in relief.

"There goes more rubbish." Enzan announced.

"Hum. Splendid. It'd seem you've gotten rather used to it." Colonel muttered as he looked around.

"Obviously."

"Were the Navi's HP to be low then you can skip dangerous "Liberation" by choosing the "Do nothing" command… You'll be resting for 1 Turn but you'll be able to recover some HP."

"Hum. I'll have it on mind. Huh? Colonel. What's that panel with a "?" sign on it?" Enzan asked.

"I don't know about that either, yet… From what I can see, it might trigger some event or another. Besides that, I've heard that there are panels from which you get Chips and others in which the HP will recover."

"… That could be convenient. If needed, we can "Liberate" it as well, then…" Blues looked interested.

"That's what it means. I don't think there's any need to pointlessly "Liberate" panels yet I'll leave that decision up to you."

"Sure." Enzan confirmed.

"My turn. Screen Divide! Now! Come! Hrah! Hah! I know all of your weak points and reaction speed! You can't hope to trick me! Hah!"

"I like that style already." Enzan grinned.

"We're coming closer… Now we're close to the action radius of the Darkloid so he will most likely attempt an attack in the next round as well… Be careful!" Colonel warned.

"Shiver from the snow's coldness! Snow Ball!"

Some "Snow Balls" fell down from the air and landed around Blizzard Man yet both Blues and Colonel were out of the action radius: they grinned and drew their weapons.

"I'll go first. If I cannot do it in 3 Turns then you go next. His HP value is 400 so we should be able to call it in one attack if either of us can come up with a Dream Sword." Colonel announced.

"Sure. I don't want to just handle rubbish."

"… Hyururu~! If ya could come all the way here then… You're not bad at all!" Blizzard Man laughed when Colonel faced him.

"Answer me this: where is Rock Man?" Colonel questioned.

"Huh? Rock Man? Oh yeah. "Demon King" and "Demon Prince" had plans for that guy and his Operator but I dunno what "plans"… Not like I need to know but one is fond of rumors." Blizzard Man shrugged.

"Demon King? Demon Prince? Is there someone else in Nebula apart from Regal?" Blues demanded.

"That's Regal – sama for ya! And I dunno who the heck they are but Regal – sama said that they are equal in rank to him so if they tell us "do that and that" then we do it!" Blizzard Man replied.

"I don't think he knows anything else of use." Enzan settled.

"…Darkloid Oppression Unit: Team of Colonel! Blizzard Man! You lowlife will be deleted!" Colonel announced by drawing his sword.

"Hyururu~! Not gonna~! I'm gonna turn ya into ice pickles!"

"Looks like there's no other way but to demonstrate our skill…"

Colonel shrugged and got into a fighting stance.

"Ijuuin Enzan! Handle the Operating!"

"Finally! A worthy adversary...! Go!"

"Snow Rolling!"

"Colonel Cannon!"

"Uack! T-this JERK…!"

"Hmpf."

Blizzard Man turned into a snow ball and began to roll down the field yet Colonel intercepted him and performed a "Screen Divide" attack as well so Blizzard Man had to step back while grumbling.

"Snow Ball!"

"Mark Cannon!"

Blizzard Man kicked a "Snow Ball" towards Colonel yet he locked on Blizzard Man and shot him thus catching him unaware.

"Buster Up! Mark Cannon!"

"Whack!"

"2nd turn is about to end… But we've taken out over half of the enemy's HP so we can still push it a bit more…" Colonel muttered.

"… Last turn yet… Did it. Go, Colonel!" Enzan grinned.

"As you wish!" Colonel confirmed.

"No way~!" Blizzard Man seemed to guess what was gonna happen given his face of pure terror.

"Dream Sword!"

"Hyu~h! Wah, wah, wa~h! No way…! I've lost…! Uwa~h!"

The Dream Sword split Blizzard Man in half: he was deleted so all "Dark Panels" got erased: the area's color shifted from blue to a brownish tone.

"We did it, Enzan – sama, sir."

"… "Liberation" complete… Now Akihara Area is already alright. But even if we've "released" Akihara Area we can't get optimistic. We've "released" just one piece of the Internet occupied by Nebula… The battle has barely begun!" Colonel told them.

"Obviously."

"You will be contacted once we form a scheme regarding the next mission… Until then you're free to as you please." Colonel announced to them.

He retreated from the area and Blues took a last look around before switching off his Long Sword and looking at Enzan's screen: he was wiping the sweat off with a handkerchief.

"Enzan – sama, sir."

"Good work. Plug Out." Enzan congratulated.

"Roger, sir!"

Blues returned into his new-model PET and Enzan placed it on the charger while stretching backwards and letting out a yawn: he stood up and headed over to a water fountain to pick some water and drink it up as if to relieve his thirst: he then looked out at the landscape.

This was hard. And it's only gonna turn harder. We can't lower the guard at all. That "Darkloid" was a weakling. There must be more powerful ones out there…!

"…I guess these things will be turning harder and harder as we advance and that just the 2 of us won't suffice. But I recognize Colonel as a strong man… Regal… Stick out you lowlife's neck!" Enzan muttered aloud.

"Well said, Enzan – sama, sir! That lowlife may believe we are powerless but we are far from that, sir!" Blues looked animated.

Regal! We'll find out where you are hiding at and then we'll settle the score with you lowlife…! Get ready!

10:11 AM (Japan Time)…

"…Those Official dogs have started moving… Yet the attacks at the Internet were no more than one piece of the strategy… Go on and see how you fare like… Heh, heh, heh, heh…"

Dr. Regal was standing inside of what seemed to be some kind of control room in the Nebula HQ: a gigantic LCD screen was built in the wall right in front of him plus a control console underneath it: the ground had the "Nebula" logo drawn on it and three prism-shaped showcases had been erected on the left side of the room and one of them contained the three stolen PETs belonging to Yaito, Dekao and Meiru.

"Regal – sama. The preparations are complete, sir." One masked man reported as he rushed in.

"Understood… I'll go there ASAP." He acknowledged.

"The factory is making glory~!" Someone sang.

"What's that?" Dr. Regal questioned.

"I believe Number 028, sir…"

"Whatever. Don't mind them." He ordered.

"Roger, sir! Do excuse me."

"… Heh, heh, heh… The strategy is progressing nicely…"

"The factory is making a city~!"

"Oi! 028! Stop already. Or else Regal – sama will get annoyed at ya for bothering his private time!" Someone whispered yet the room seemed to echo voices.

"Man. Ya always steal all the fun outta me, 013."

"Be quiet!" "Number 013" whispered next.

Dr. Regal seemingly ignored them as he climbed down a set of steps and formed an evil smile across his face while chuckling under his breath and looking eager…

10:24 AM (Japan Time)…

"… What did ya say? Akihara Area 3's Commander Blizzard Man was done in by Blues and another Net Navi? What the heck? What could this mean, partner? Where did that other Navi come out from?"

"I dunno. But Akihara Area 3 was no big deal. And we can always increase security to make intrusion into other areas harder for them. Maybe we should send someone as scout? Those two, for example?"

"But the hypnosis radio signal device ain't ready yet! I need another day at the least."

"Oh lovely. Guess I'll have to give you a hand: we need to have that ready faster than I thought given the base's grunts behaviors…"

The two conspirers, "Demon Prince" and "Demon King", were talking while they observed from the lookout gallery the progress of both Netto and Saito while they were made to escalate a wall using magnetic gloves and sandals: both had sunglasses on and one of the masked men was apparently commanding them while another two had the gas guns ready and were standing nearby.

"Fair enough. They will most likely target Oran Island Area next. But access won't be so easy given how the connecting road between Akihara and Oran is still under repair." "Demon Prince" sounded slightly relieved.

"My boat has a mast!" Someone sang nearby.

"You. Who gave you permission to come into the training room? You reek of vodka, too. And your mask isn't properly adjusted! Oi! Security Squad 02! Bring this imbecile to the rehabilitation room!"

"Roger."

"My train will rain!"

"Catchy." "Demon King" giggled.

"Jeez." "Demon Prince" grumbled.

Now we have drunkards as well. Is this a fools' ship or what?